101719 - Las Vegas Edition

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OCTOBER 17-23, 2019

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 30 - No. 42 • 16 Pages

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US paper’s report on Trump-Duterte phone call ‘rumor-mongering’ — Palace

by KRISSY

AGUILAR Inquirer.net

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, October 16, slammed a U.S. paper’s story that reported U.S. President Donald Trump’s phone call with President Rodrigo Duterte was among the phone calls which “horrified” White House staff, saying it is “rumormongering” and “shows negative bias” against the American president.

Citing anonymous sources, The Washington Post’s report said Trump’s phone call with Duterte was one of many the U.S. president made to world leaders who are either outright authoritarian or display authoritarian tendencies.

“Trump’s phone calls with foreign leaders were an anxiety-ridden set of events for his aides and members of the administration, according to former and current officials,” the report said.

“The article borders on rumormongering,” Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

While he recognized the story was based on interviews with Trump’s previous and present staff, Panelo stressed leaking the American president’s conversation was “simply outlandish.”

“We understand that the reporters based their story on interviews with 12 former or

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OUTSTANDING ATHLETES. President Rodrigo Duterte is assisted by Senate Committee on Sports Chair Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as he distributes the incentives to the Filipino athletes who have brought home medals from various international competitions during their meeting at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Wednesday, October 16. Duterte gave a P1 million incentive each to gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxer Nesthy Petecio during their courtesy call in Malacañang on Wednesday. Yulo, who earlier booked a ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, beat seven other finalists to claim the men’s floor exercise crown FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Hans Schleyer Halle in Stuttgart, Germany last Saturday. Petecio ruled the featherweight division in the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships after beating hometown bet Liudmila Vorontsova of Russia on Sunday.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

PH Supreme Court won’t rule yet on VP election protest case

USA

DATELINE Federal courts block Trump administration’s ‘public charge’ rule from going into effect

by DONA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

FEDERAL judges in three states have blocked the Trump administration’s controversial “public charge” rule, days before it was scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, October 15.

The rule expands the definition of who may become primarily dependent on the government through public cash assistance or long-term institutionalized care funded by the government, or essentially who may be considered a “public charge.”

Originally published by the Department of Homeland Security in August, the public charge rule gives U.S. immigration officials discretion in deciding whether an immigrant should be granted a green card or entrance into the U.S. depending on whether they’d be self-sufficient.

Among the 20 factors the officials would use include looking at whether applicants

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Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch talks on again THE now on, now off Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. 2 is again shaping up.

This time, though, it looks the fight fans have been looking forward to happen, could, at last, be realized.

What triggered renewed speculations was the holder of the immaculate 50-0 fight record, “Money Man,” was reported to have withdrawn from talks about a planned exhibition fight in China that, for all intent and purposes, has restarted negotiations for a rematch with the Filipino eight-division champion.

Jay Lau of Hong Kong’s DEF Promotions director and promoter, and the man behind the exhibition match, told Boxing Scene that Mayweather is currently more interested in a rematch of his 2015 mega-fight with Pacquiao than finalizing the China deal.

Lau reportedly admitted that the PacquiaoMayweather 2 is a lot more important business-wise than the exhibition match he was offering to the undefeated American.

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Z. PAZZIBUGAN, JHESSET O. ENANO Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Supreme Court has opted to release the findings of the initial recount of votes for Vice President Leni Robredo and losing candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as it again deferred ruling on whether to dismiss or proceed with Marcos’ The long wait for the Supreme Court’s final ruling on Ferdinand Marcos’ protest case against Vice President Leni Robredo election protest. is far from over for their supporters who massed on the high court’s grounds in Manila on Tuesday, October 15.

At the weekly full-court deInquirer.net photos by Marianne Bermudez liberation on Tuesday, October

15, 11 of 13 magistrates (one was on leave), including retiring Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, voted to release to the parties the Sept. 9 report on the recount done in the three test provinces handpicked by Marcos.

Two magistrates — Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justice Benjamin

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Palace says Duterte is perfectly healthy

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

MALACAÑANG on Monday, October 14, assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte is healthy following his revelation that he has myasthenia gravis, a chronic auto-immune neuromuscular disorder that affects the muscles in his eyes and limits his ability to control eye movement.

“It’s not life threatening, it depends on the degree.

Saka nag-mumura pa siya e (he’s still cursing),” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo during during an interview with the “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s

One News.

“Ang tao naman sanay na sa kanya, kayo lang naman hindi nasasanay sa kanya (People are used to him; only the media aren’t),” he added.

According to Panelo, if Duterte’s cursing can be considered as a sign of his health then the president “is very healthy.”

Duterte once again drew concern for his health condition after a public appearance where one of his eyes was visibly smaller than the other.

“It is a nerve malfunction,” Panelo explained to the

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4 Fil-Ams named to Clark County AAPI commission

by AJPRESS LAS VEGAS — Four Filipino Americans have been appointed to the reestablished Clark County Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Community Commission on Wednesday, October 9.

Fil-Am community leader Margie Gonzales will serve as chairwom-

an of the 15-person commission, which also includes Fil-Ams Allen Mallari, a pastor; Craig Valdez, regional program manager for New American Leaders; and Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce President Sonny Vinuya.

Other members represent leaders, business owners and students across AAPI backgrounds and

ages.

The commission had its inaugural meeting on Wednesday at the Clark County Government Center during which members were sworn in and the duties of the commission were laid out.

Gonzales said the commission will work to identify the AAPI com-

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Fifteen Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders were sworn in on Wednesday, October 9 for the revived Clark County Asian-American Pacific Islanders Community Commission, which will be tasked with addressing the needs and making recommendations on behalf of the county’s over 252,000 AAPI residents.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

Vietnamese theaters have pulled out DreamWorks animated film “Abominable” after viewers noticed scenes featuring China’s invalidated nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/DreamWorksTV

Locsin calls for boycott over ‘Abominable’ movie

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday, October 15, called for a “universal boycott” of the animated film “Abominable” due to the appearance of China’s nine-dash line in one of the scenes.

In a Twitter conversation with Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, Locsin said: “What about cutting out that scene? You’re a lawyer, on what ground can we ban — and which agency has that power — an implicit message, assuming any Filipino will assert his First Amendment right in the case? For me, call a universal boycott of all Dreamworks

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

OctOber 17-23, 2019 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

From The FronT Page

US paper’s report on...

PAGE 1 current Trump officials who all spoke on the condition of anonymity. The fact that President Trump’s private conversations with world leaders are leaked freely to the press by unnamed sources is simply outlandish,” Panelo said.

“To headline it as ‘genuinely horrified’ shows strong negative bias against the American President, as well as those personalities involved in the article. It vioClark County’s Asian-American Pacific Islanders Community Commission is comprised of Sharifa Wahab, Fayyaz Raja, Craig Valdez, Sonny Vinuya, Rica Tamura, Divya Narala, Arlene Anita Markthepharack, Margie Gonzales, Tuan Pham, Allen Mallari, Vida Chan Lin, Daniel Lee, Jeannie Kim, Arun Gupta and Dorinda Burnet.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

4 Fil-Ams named to Clark County AAPI...

PAGE 1 munities within the county, the population of each one, and their respective socio-economic needs.

Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerbloom recognized that the AAPI community — considered the fastest-growing demographic in Southern Nevada — continues to be an economic driver for the county.

The county previously had a similar commission in 1995, which had been established by the late Assemblywoman Gene Segerblom through AB 525 in the Legislature. It, however, only lasted for a year.

“The Asian-American Pacific Islander community is large and diverse and it’s important that we identify and address its needs,”

said Segerblom. ”I look forward to watching the panel go about its work and receiving a report of its recommendations.”

Segerblom advocated for the revival of the commission based on the recommendations of a group of community leaders, including Rozita Lee, who was on the 1995 commission.

Census data from 2017 indicates there are currently 251,853 Asians and 31,546 Pacific Islanders in Clark County.

Filipinos make up the largest AAPI group in the state, with around 86,000 in the county alone — though that number is projected to have increased since the last Census.

The commission is also tasked with the creation of an AAPI cultural center within the county,

which is proposed to be a centralized hub for resources and services for the community.

The meeting on Wednesday did not disclose any further information on the timeline or the site of the center.

“With your hard work, compassion and commitment, our community will be stronger and I am proud to be one of you,” Nevada first lady Kathy Sisolak, who was present on Wednesday, told the commissioners.

The commission is also authorized to accept donations that will be put toward the research of identifying the community and the relevant organizations.

The 15 members of the commission will serve until June 30, 2021, and will meet once a month. n

lates the objectivity principle we expect from high-caliber journalists of The Washington Post,” he added.

Panelo said The Washington Post’s slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness” is “apt” because “it died in darkness when the prestigious publication engaged itself in political propaganda.”

The Washington Post’s report specified Trump’s call to Duterte where the former said the latter was doing an “unbelievable job

on the drug problem.”

Panelo defended Trump, saying his “praise of our anti-drug policy and action underscores the American leader’s fair judgment coming from his unlimited and unimpeded access to information.”

“The staff was blissfully ignorant about pertinent facts surrounding this Administration’s campaign against illegal narcotics; hence, the reaction, if true, is not surprising,” he added. n

Federal courts block Trump administration’s...

PAGE 1 use certain public benefit programs like food stamps, housing vouchers, cash assistance, and most forms of Medicaid.

But on Friday, October 12, Judge George B. Daniels of the Southern District of New York issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration’s rule, temporarily barring it from going into effect.

“The Rule is simply a new agency policy of exclusion in search of a justification,” wrote Daniels while granting the request.

“It is repugnant to the American Dream of the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and upward mobility,” he added. “Immigrants have always come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their prosper-

ity. With or without help, most succeed.”

Critics of the new public charge rule have said that its implementation would punish immigrant families and would result in many families being forced to choose between maintaining immigration status or meeting basic needs like food.

Heng Lam Foong, senior policy manager with the Health Access Project at Advancing Justice - Los Angeles, told the Asian Journal last October when the rule was first proposed, that about 3.8 million Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants relied on some form of public benefit to make ends meet.

A study by the Urban Institute published in May found that 1 in 7 adults in immigrant families reported avoiding public benefit programs in 2018 out of fear that they’d possibly endanger their future green card status.

Also blocking the rule on Friday, U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in the Northern District of California emphasized the repercussions of the rule, particularly when it came to public health.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Hamilton wrote, “made no attempt, whatsoever, to investigate the type of magnitude of harm that would flow from the reality which it admittedly recognized would result — fewer people would be vaccinated.”

She said Trump administration officials further violated the Administrative Procedure Act in that they “acted arbitrarily and capriciously during the legallyrequired process to implement the changes they propose.”

U.S. District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson in the Eastern District of Washington, also issued a nationwide injunction and ruled that the DHS had “not cited any statute, legislative history, or other resource that supports the interpretation that Congress has delegated to DHS the authority to expand the definition of who is inadmissible as a public charge or to define what benefits undermine, rather than promote, the stated goal of achieving self-sufficiency.”

The three federal rulings

were among nine legal challenges to the public charge rule.

In a statement on Friday, the White House said the rulings prevented the nation’s immigration officers “from ensuring that immigrants seeking entry to the United States will be self-sufficient and instead allow non-citizens to continue taking advantage of our generous but limited public resources reserved for vulnerable Americans.”

“These injunctions are the latest inexplicable example of the Administration being ordered to comply with the flawed or lawless guidance of a previous administration instead of the actual laws passed by Congress,” read the statement.

Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, also released a statement on Friday defending the public charge rule.

“Longstanding federal law requires aliens to rely on their own capabilities and the resources of their families, sponsors, and private organizations in their communities to succeed,” said Cuccinelli.

“The public charge regulation defines this long-standing law to ensure those seeking to come or stay in the United States can support themselves financially and will not rely on public benefits,” he added.

“Through faithful execution of the law, we will ensure immigrants are able to successfully support themselves as they seek opportunity here. An objective judiciary will see that this rule lies squarely within long-held existing law.”

Despite the temporary blocking of the public charge rule, the federal court moves came a week after Trump signed a proclamation barring legal immigrants unable to prove that they will have health care coverage or means of paying for it within 30 days of their arrival.

Starting November 3, immigrants will be allowed entrance to the U.S. only if they can show that they are already covered by health insurance, or have the ability to pay for “reasonably foreseeable medical costs.”

(Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 17-23, 2019

US prof uses jail experience to change PH justice system

by EunicE

BarBara Inquirer.net

Supporters of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. gather outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 15, as they wait for the result of deliberations on the poll protest filed against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

PH Supreme Court won’t rule yet on VP...

PAGE A1 Caguioa, who prepared the report as the justice in charge of the case — dissented.

According to insiders, Carpio and Caguioa held that the election protest “should have been dismissed since Marcos failed to make a substantial recovery” from Robredo’s votes in the three test provinces of Iloilo, Negros Oriental and Camarines Sur during the two-year-long vote revision and recount process.

Comment of parties Voting 11-2, the court, acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), instead required both camps to comment on the recount results within 20 days.

The court also ordered both camps to comment within 20 days on Marcos’ petition to annul the vice-presidential election results in Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao provinces for alleged irregularities.

Robredo and Marcos were told to respond to “various issues relating to the jurisdiction and other matters” if the court were to grant Marcos’ petition to set aside the results in the three provinces.

Robredo had objected to Marcos’ petition to annul the votes from the three provinces, arguing that the rules for the test recount should cover only three provinces.

Robredo, who edged Marcos by 263,473 votes in the six-field vice-presidential race, garnered a total of 477,985 votes in Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao. Marcos got 169,160 votes.

Court rules She had apparently anticipated that the test recount went

in her favor since she asked the tribunal on Monday to uphold its own rules and dismiss the election protest if Marcos failed to show a deviation from the official results in the vote recount in his three chosen pilot provinces.

If Marcos were able to prove his claim of widespread irregularities in the test recount, the court may order the continuation of the recount in the 21 provinces, five cities and one district in Northern Samar that Marcos also contested.

“The action of the court is to provide copies to the parties and for the parties to comment on the results of the revision and appreciation of ballots. So as for the decision, there’s none yet,” Supreme Court public information chief Brian Hosaka told reporters.

Hosaka said he himself had not seen the report on the recount findings that was submitted by Caguioa.

Marcos’ lawyer Vic Rodriguez said the court order was a “positive development because finally, for the first time after three years, we shall now deal with the issues on the annulment of the election results in the province of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao.”

Rodriguez added the Marcos camp was glad that the tribunal dismissed Robredo’s petition to dismiss outright the election protest based on the initial recount.

‘Victory’ for Robredo Robredo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal told reporters that they considered the decision a victory since they could now show

novio

WHEN he was 20 years old, Raymund Narag from Cagayan Valley had his life mapped out: working in the best company; raising a family; further studies, or anything that would lead to a better life. Anyway, he was a cum laude with a degree in public administration at the University of the Philippines in 1995. But things did not go as planned.

A few days before graduation, a “frat-war” erupted between two rival fraternities, which left one man dead. Narag, was a member of one of the fraternities. He was charged with murder, two counts of frustrated murder, and three counts of attempted murder. Instead of a toga, he wore an orange T-shirt with a large ‘P’ at the back – a badge of shame.

Is he an ex-convict? No. He was not convicted of any crimes.

“I was wrongly accused and languished in jail for almost seven years. I was in jail in 1995. I was released in 2002. I was then 27.

I lost the best years of my life,” Narag said.

Narag is now nan assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale. He is also an author.

Narag’s unjust time in jail has now become his beacon for improving the Philippine penal and justice system.

Emigration In 2005 Narag was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship. He finished his master’s and doctorate degrees in Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. His expertise: the dynamics of the criminal justice system, as well as community-based approaches

through Caguioa’s report that Marcos had failed to get enough votes in the recount in Iloilo, Negros Oriental and Camarines Sur to overcome Robredo’s lead.

“We won. She won in the recount. Otherwise if she did not win in the recount, the resolution would have been different,” he said.

Macalintal accused Marcos of “fishing for evidence” after he failed to prove irregularities in the test recount.

“We will argue that the annulment of votes (in Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao) should not be included anymore since he did not make a substantial recovery in the recount in the pilot provinces,” he said.

“He should not be allowed to fish for evidence. Under the rules, he should prove his case based on the pilot provinces,” he added.

In a press briefing in her office in Quezon City, Robredo expressed both relief and frustration over the continuing electoral protest.

“It’s very good news because the public will really know what really transpired in the recount … and who between us is telling the truth,” she said.

“But [I also feel] frustrated … because we believe that there is no other way but to dismiss this, considering their own rules and the result of the recount.”

Robredo’s camp had earlier manifested for the immediate resolution of the protest, saying that by their own records from the initial recount, she even gained 15,000 more votes, fur- Raymund Narag while doing a lecture in the ther widening the margin. n Philippines.

that mitigate the proliferation of crime and delinquency.

“I used my experiences in jail as a jumping board. I published a book about my jail experience upon release. The Supreme Court published the book. So, in a way, I went to the U.S. to have a new life and also to become scholar so I can help Philippines society, the source of my misery,” Narag explained.

Fitting in a new life Narag felt that American society was open to immigrants.

People were accommodating, especially in the academe where diversity is celebrated. But it was learning about Americans’ love and passion for sports that made him feel more welcome. He said that the best way to start a conversation is to ask about people’s sports teams.

“Being on campus and around university students, I learned to cheer our university sports teams, the Spartans, especially in basketball and football,” Narag shared.

PAGE 5

OctOber 17-23, 2019 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

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US prof uses jail experience to change...

‘JUAN FOR FUN’, The Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with SM Supermalls, launch “Juan Fun Adventure,” a travel adventure that will be featured in a caravan until April 2020. Photo shows DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat and SM Supermalls Mr. Steven Tan during the launch held at SM City San Lazaro Manila on Tuesday, October 15.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

One-third of world’s food wasted each year — UN

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

One-third, or 30 percent, of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted every year even as more than 820 million people in the world to go hungry every day, according to the United nations agriculture agency’s latest annual report. the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) published its annual State of Food and Agriculture report that contains fresh estimates on the scale of the problem, enabling a better understanding of the challenge and suggesting possible solutions by looking into why and where food loss and waste take

place. “how can we allow food to be thrown away when more than 820 million people in the world continue to go hungry every day?” asked FAO director-General Qu dongyu in the foreword to his agency’s report. the FAO makes a distinction between food losses, which occur at the stage when food is harvested up until the moment it is sold; and food waste, which occurs during the sale and consumption of food.

Although there may be an economic loss, food diverted to other economic uses, like animal feed, is not considered as food loss or waste, nor are the inedible parts of food products.

Food loss and waste occur at the farm, storage, transit, shop and home. important causes of on-farm losses include inadequate harvesting time, climate conditions, practices applied at harvest and handling and challenges in marketing produce.

Significant losses are caused by inadequate storage, as well as decisions made at earlier stages of the supply chain that cause products to have a shorter shelf life.

Good infrastructure and efficient trade logistics are key to preventing food loss. Processing and packaging play a role in preserving foods, and losses are often caused by inadequate facilities, technical malfunction or human error. n

US Coast Guard ship joins maritime drills near Spratlys

by Frances

Mangosing Inquirer.net

A U.S. Coast Guard ship has carried out maritime exercises with Philippine and Japanese forces near the West Philippine Sea. the USCGC Stratton (WMSL752) arrived in Palawan on Wednesday for the Sama-Sama exercises, said Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Capt. Arman Balilo. the Sama-Sama is an annual activity of the Philippines and U.S. designed to undertake complex maritime training.

Palawan is an island province in the Philippines closest to the disputed Spratly islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). the resource-rich waterway is being claimed mostly by China, which has built massive military outposts in recent years to strengthen its claims. this is the second deployment of a U.S. Coast Guard ship in Philippine waters in six months.

Last May, the Philippine and U.S. coast guards conducted exercises near Scarborough Shoal.

Aside from its navy, the U.S. has stepped up in using its coast guard to broaden its reach in the South China Sea amid Chinese expansion.

USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) is the second cutter of the U.S. Coast Guard to visit the country.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard

the exercises are being conducted amid fresh tensions between the Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea. the Philippines early this month filed a diplomatic protest against China after Chinese coast ships were spotted near Ayungin (Second thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippine navy has grounded a ship to serve as its detachment.

US Coast Guard chief to visit Manila U.S. Coast Guard commandant Adm. Karl Schultz will arrive in Manila next week for a series of engagements, Balilo said. he is expected to visit the PCG

headquarters and the national Coast Watch Center.

On Monday, the U.S. Marines and the PCG Special Operations Force launched the 5-day Kamandag (Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng dagat) exercises which aims “to promote multinational interoperability, readiness and capabilities.”

Participants, which include 8 personnel from Philippine national Police Maritime Group, 12 from PCG, 15 from U.S. Marine Corps and, 18 from Philippine navy Marine reconnaissance Group, will undergo rigid board search and seizure training, Balilo said. n

Palace says Duterte is perfectly...

PAGE 1

Filipino community in Moscow.

Aside from his eye condition, the president also encounters problems with his spine and that he frequently suffers from migraine. he also has Barrett’s esophagus, which affects his throat; as well as Buerger’s disease from the heavy smoking he did in his

younger years.

Under the Constitution, information about the state of the president’s health should always be available to the public in case the chief executive has a serious illness.

Panelo dismissed rumors about duterte undergoing dialysis or cancer treatment, which causes his face to darken, saying that it

is impossible for the president to undergo these procedures.

“Botched skin yun. Kasi pag inayos mo ata yung skin mo tapos nainitan ka, naku may problema ka. Yun ata ang nangyayari sa kanya (When you undergo skin treatments and you go under the sun, you get problems.

That’s probably what happened to him),” he said. n

Locsin calls for boycott over ‘Abominable’...

PAGE 1 productions from here on.” in 2016, an arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s nine-dash line claim. China, however, refused to acknowledge said ruling.

Apart from the Philippines, other countries that have claims in the South China Sea are taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam, which recently pulled out the film from cinemas.

“Abominable,” a joint production by dreamworks and China’s

Pearl Studio, tells the story of a Chinese teenager helping a yeti return to his home.

“Agree this is a slippery slope, but think we should push back vs. Cn propaganda tactics nonetheless,” Batongbacal replied.

“MtrCB [Movie and television review and Classification Board] technically has power to require deletion of objectionable portions of films for reasons that include being ‘injurious to the prestige of the rep. of the Philippines or its people’ (Pd 1986,

sec. 3, para. c) (which) is what this does if we quietly allow it to be shown without some form of protest,” he added.

According to Batongbacal, if “Abominable” were “allowed to be shown without offending portion” then a “call for boycott should still be made as a strong statement against such tactics.”

“Also so as to not contribute to Cn [China’s] coffers by seeing the movie, and send message to U.S. companies partnering with Cn propagandists to stop enabling such moves,” he added. n

Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch talks...

PAGE 1

“We were talking about an exhibition in China, a big event, not a professional boxing fight, but something like Mayweather vs tenshin in Japan,” Lau was quoted as saying.

“We spoke a bit about doing a special fight in China, but half way through he turned to the Pacquiao rematch so we stopped (talking).”

Lau said that letting go of such a big (exhibition) event is something that a boxing promoter wouldn’t do, adding, however, the rematch with Pacquiao will more beneficial. he pointed out that the rematch is the biggest thing that can hap-

pen, so why bother with the exhibition bout first? “if that happens we will stop everything and let him (Floyd) do his thing first.” had the 42-year-old not withdrawn from the exhibition bout negotiations that actually started last June yet, it would have been the second fight of this kind for Mayweather. he outclassed kick boxer tenshin nasukawa in the first round of their three-round exhibition held under Japanese promotion rizin on new Year’s eve in 2018 where he collected a gargantuan £7m for brief outing. in a separate interview, Lau said Mayweather came twice to hong Kong and spoke to his son. “he

spoke with my son Jayson we had communications but now he is focusing the Pacquiao rematch.” the two greatest welterweights in the world first fought in 2015 in a contest that was the richest in the history of sweet science won

by Mayweather via unanimous decision.

Although the fight was considered by fans as a big letdown that failed to come up to expectations, a Pacquiao-Mayweather 2 is still considered as big business.

Lau expressed apprehension, though, in Mayweather being too expensive that “we have to work really hard to get him back over to Asia – the offer is not easy.”(Eddie Alinea/ManilaTimes.net)

PAGE 3 he said that his expectations of the “concentrated disadvantage” or ghettos in America were far from the conditions lived by informal settlers in the Philippines. “the ghettos are considered poor areas in America, but they are nothing like our squatters. that is unforgettable to me–how their poor areas could still be considered rich in our country,” he said.

Raising a family narag and his wife, Shella never hid his past to their daughters now ages 15, 13, and five.

“As much as we can, we try to bring them home so they can see where we grew up, where we lived. So they can see our how different our lifestyles were from theirs,” narag shared. he also brought the two older daughters to Bilibid Prison to visit his fraternity brothers. “they saw the prisons with their own eyes. i think it made an impression on them. it was quite fun when they visited. We had a karaoke, and they sang. though, they also saw some of the crowding problems in the prison,” narag said. in their brief stay in the Philippines, the narag kids were enrolled at the UP integrated School. they were able to experience traffic and pollution, which are part of the everyday struggles of the Filipinos. But the kids learned to appreciate Filipino culture, which made them understand life in the Philippines.

Advocacy despite residing and teaching in the States, narag comes home often to conduct training and workshops. he also plans to offer online programs later to reach more audiences in the Philippines. he was a visiting professor at the University of the Philippines where he taught about the Philippine justice system and its challenges, like the lack of judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers that lead to clogged dockets. the Philippines also lacks court facilities and buildings, which also affect organizational efficacy. narag said that these cause hearing postponements as well as leniency and complacency. narag said that judicial changes are very difficult because the Filipino culture is based on patronage and feudal thinking. “it is easy to seek a postponement in the hearings because the judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers are kompanyeros. there

must be a sustained effort to professionalize the criminal justice system,” he said. narag’s books and scholarly articles written to improve the justice system in the Philippines seem unheeded.

“Change is a process. it took decades for this state to evolve, it will equally take decades to undo the problems. Structural changes are hard to do: you need to pour in resources to the criminal justice system. Congress should appropriate budgets to the jails, police, courts, etc. You need to attract our young people to devote their careers for the improvement of the criminal justice personnel,” narag explained. however, narag also mentioned that there have been innovations introduced by the Supreme Court, such as the Continuous trial, eCourts, and Justice Zones. “i utilize the structural-organizational-cultural frame of analysis. that is why so many detainees stay in jail for long periods of time and are still un-convicted.

So, by using this frame of analysis, i encourage the students to join government service (structural), learn to be efficient (organizational) and be upright ethical actors (cultural),” narag said. narag said that the Filipino society is more forgiving than other societies. the Filipinos have also different views of people who came from prisons. Still, narag lamented that the discourse now in the justice system is centered

on punishment and not reform.

An immigrant worker in accepting a teaching job in the U.S., narag was joining the millions of Filipinos abroad seeking a better life. Yet, his advocacy remains centered in a country that almost destroyed his future.

“We should always look back at our country. this is the struggle in the Philippines. So, i educate people on the changes, of the little gains, and also the prospects for a better Philippines. Some migrants had left the Philippines for good because they want a better life. now that they’ve achieved it, i implore them to look back and see how they can help,” narag advised.

For Filipinos he has this to say: “the problems are gargantuan, but there are solutions. if only we could put all our act together, we could be a prosperous country.

Walang tutulong sa Filipino kundi kapwa Filipino (No one will help Filipinos but fellow Filipinos).” narag’s latest book, inmate radicalization and recruitment in Prisons published in 2018 by routledge discusses “an alternative view that suggests that the imprisonment of a terrorist may mark the beginning of physical disengagement and psychological de-radicalization.” the book is composed of original research in the Philippines and case studies from Australia, the U.S., Canada, indonesia, the UK, France, the netherlands, and Belgium. the book is also available at Amazon. com. n

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

OCTOBER 17-23, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

With SC skittish, the nation is hostage to fortune

FEATURES

IT sounds melodramatic to put it in these terms, but we believe that after three years of hemming and hawing about the electoral protest on the contest for the vice presidency in the 2016 elections, the Supreme Court (SC) owes it to the nation and our people to bring this issue to full resolution.

Not because we favor one side or the other, but because we want to know the truth of the 2016 balloting, we make bold to intrude on today’s deliberations of the high court to urge it to do its duty by our people.

In 1578, the great English essayist Francis Bacon wrote in the essay “Crimes and criminals”: “He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune” — meaning that he places his loved ones at the mercy of fortune or luck, with all its uncertainties and cruel surprises.

We think of Bacon’s words today, as we await the court’s decision on the election protest. We are made conscious again of the incomprehensible delay and repeated procrastination that has attended the hearing of the election protest by the Supreme Court, acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

Our nation and our people, we daresay, have become hostages to fortune because of the sword of uncertainty that has been hung over our national life by this unresolved question, and by the reluctance of our honorable justices to complete their work on this issue.

The delay is troubling, first, because it is now three years since the PET received the protest.

The delay is tormenting, second, because without a firm resolution of the question of succession to the presidency, our country’s political fortunes will be placed at the mercy of the unknown and possibly hostile forces that could wreak havoc on the nation.

Finally, we are fairly warned against the possi- find closure to this question.

Many times in the past, we have heard the Subility that the high court may again kick the can further down the road, and that our people would preme Court authoritatively and firmly act on great then have to wait again for who knows how long to questions of national life, and its rulings proved de-

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS “HOAX” and “witch hunt” — that’s how President Donald Trump has always called any investigation into him. He has gone further by instructing officials and staff in his administration NOT to cooperate with and ignore subpoenas from the Constitution-mandated congressional impeachment inquiry/investigation.

He has been attacking and accusing Democrats and the media of being behind this so-called plot to remove the power from the people by trying to oust him from office and to abort his socalled “sure victory” in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. He contends that the American people do NOT want him impeached and are so happy with his performance as president that they want him re-elected.

Unfortunately, Trump’s actions, decisions, and words in public have already betrayed him, and have given Congress the probable cause to launch an impeachment inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution.

As Newsweek reported, the Democrat-led Congress finally launched an impeachment inquiry after a whistleblower for-

(Part 2 of 2)

WE were then a young aggressive entrepreneur, and decided to bid as prime contractor for the Port of Jeddah, the largest then in the Arab world, which was opened for bidding to manage the port, Saudi Arabia’s main entry point in the Red Sea. We had signed a joint venture agreement with the Singapore Port Authority, and created the PhilippinesSingapore Ports Corporation, which was quite successful. We won the bid, acquired a large ship without engine in the Port of Piraeus in Greece, and had it towed across the Aegean Sea and into the Suez Canal and into Jeddah. As we had written before, the vessel arrived in Jeddah in early morning as some ten commercial 707 jets just flew in from Manila with stevedores and port executives for immediate deployment in the Jeddah port.

We won the bid for the Jeddah port, not because we were the best but the big port operators from the U.S., U.K., Italy, South

cisive in keeping our ship of state safe and steady.

We pray then today that the Supreme Court will again use its voice to calm and strengthen our troubled nation. (Manilatimes.net)

New Fox News and other polls show a majority of Americans now say Trump should be impeached, removed from office mally submitted a complaint in accordance with the rule of law.

It alleged “that Trump asked a foreign leader to investigate a potential political rival. In a July phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Trump mentioned Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden, and his son Hunter, according to a summary transcript of the call released by the White House.”

The report added that “despite Biden being mentioned in the call, the president insisted there was no pressure put on Ukraine to investigate the Bidens, and no ‘quid pro quo’ discussion, despite aid to the country being held up around the time of the conversation.”

Seventeen of the former special prosecutors who investigated the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon wrote an oped for the Washington Post to declare that they believe “Trump should be impeached”.

“We, former members of the Watergate special prosecutor force, believe there exists compelling prima facie evidence that President Trump has committed impeachable offenses. This evidence can be accepted as sufficient for impeachment, unless disproved by any contrary

evidence that the president may choose to offer,” they wrote.

They continued, “The ultimate judgment on whether to impeach the president is for members of the House of Representatives to make. The Constitution establishes impeachment as the proper mechanism for addressing these abuses; therefore, the House should proceed with the impeachment process, fairly, openly and promptly. The president’s refusal to cooperate in confirming (or disputing) the facts already on the public record should not delay or frustrate the House’s performance of its constitutional duty.”

“In reaching these conclusions, we take note of 1) the public statements by Trump himself; 2) the findings of former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation; 3) the readout that the president released of his phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky; 4) the president’s continuing refusal to produce documents or allow testimony by current and former government employees for pending investigations, as well as for oversight matters; and 5) other information now publicly available, including State Department text messages indicating that the release of essential military aid to Ukraine was conditioned on

Ukraine’s willingness to commence a criminal investigation designed to further the president’s political interests,” the former prosecutors argued.

Following news about the Ukraine scandal, recent polls reveal growing support for the impeachment inquiry, compared to previous polls involving other Trump scandals, including the Mueller probe.

The Washington Post poll: 58 percent of respondents supported the impeachment inquiry; Quinnipiac poll: 53 percent of people supported the impeachment inquiry itself, and 45 percent also felt that the president should be impeached and removed from office; NBC/Wall Street Journal poll: 55% of people back the inquiry; Politico/Morning Consult poll: half of registered voters would back removing Trump from office; NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll: 52% say they approve of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

BUT the poll that really made Trump furious was at the recent poll taken by Fox News, the cable news channel perceived by most Americans as a propaganda machine for Trump.

Trump’s statements and tweets suggested he was not

happy with polling results from Fox commenting to reporters at the weekend: “Fox has changed.

My worst polls have always been from Fox.” The Fox News poll conducted on October 6-8 revealed the following, among others: Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the job Donald Trump is doing as president?

A: Approved 43%; Disapproved 55% Q: Do you have a generally favorable or unfavorable opinion of each one?

A: Favorable 43%; Unfavorable 56% Q: Do you think the Trump administration is more corrupt than previous administrations, less corrupt, or is the Trump administration about as corrupt as previous administrations?

A: More corrupt 51%; Less corrupt 27%; About as corrupt 18%; Don’t know 3% Q: Please tell me how much confidence you have in Trump (among others): A: Confidence 43%; No confidence 56% Q: How troubling do you find the situation surrounding President Trump’s dealings with the Ukrainian president — extremely, very, somewhat, or not at all?

A: Extremely 38%;

Very 13%; Somewhat 18%; Not at all 26%; Don’t know 5% Q: President Trump has made allegations about Joe Biden and his son’s business dealings in Ukraine and China. How troubling do you find those allegations — extremely, very, somewhat, or not at all?

A: Extremely 19%; Very 17%; Somewhat 26%; Not at all 32%; Don’t know 6% Q: Do you think President Trump should be impeached and removed from office, or not?

A: YES 51%; NO 43% THESE POLLS do not even cover the latest Trump decision to abandon our Kurds allies in Northern Syria that cleared the way for the attack of the Turks forces. At least 104 Kurdish fighters and 60 civilians have been killed since Turkey’s attack on Wednesday, putting hundreds of thousands of families at risk and benefitting the interests of the Russian and Syrian dictators.

ABANGAN ANG SUSUNOD NA KABANATA. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Chirac and the Muslim mosque in the south; brief Qatar visit and tension in Persian Gulf

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Korea, and Japan could only start operations in Jeddah after two years since they first had to build permanent housing barracks for their large workforce.

We outwitted them and won the bid by promising to start operations soonest with our 3,000 Filipino stevedores and an array of Filipino, Singaporean, and English port executives, backed by our multi-million bid bonds and performance bonds following stiff international competition.

After a few weeks our ship, the largest pre-war luxury liner, renamed the Villa Magna by the Greeks, docked in Piraeus, Greece, without engine, was pulled by giant tugboats we hired from the Netherlands, crossed the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea to our cheering employees, 3,000 stevedores from the Philippines, to our port of destination, Jeddah.

The project was so successful that the Saudi Government this time awarded to us without further bidding our second port, the Port of Jubail in the Persian Gulf or Arab Gulf to the Arabs,

on the other side of the peninsula.

Perhaps the rest is history and after our successful projects in Jeddah and Jubail, smaller O&M projects in Gizan also off the Arab desert, housing projects in Kuwait, smaller projects in Iraq’s Basrah and Baghdad, we ended our Arab journey after striking oil in Ajman, the United Arab Emirates, where we — Basic Energy and Landoil — brought our own oil rig which we leased from Andres Soriano’s PODCO in the Philippines.

Drilling was supervised by the late experienced Mario Nieto of Isabela whom we engaged as drilling superintendent. The drilling location was chosen by our Dr. Fran Gidson, the celebrated Amrican who helped discover in earlier days the giant oil field in Iraq and a celebrated geologist.

We organized the drilling and raised drilling funds from our Arab friends and our subscribers from the Philippines and we had a substantial oil strike in Ajman, one of the smallest Emirates in the UAE, the United Arab

Emirates, whose most popular centers are Dubai and the capital Abu Dhabi, where overall we have today perhaps more than two million Filipinos in the Arab world since our pioneering days from the mid-1970s to the 80s.

Our successful ventures in the Arab world came to a close with the Iran-Iraq war as we had to close shop with significant losses and then we had to come home to return to our old love, run for public office in the Philippines, after the end of Martial Law. Last week, as we boarded the plane in Qatar, we envisioned going back to the Middle East and talk to the rulers of Ajman and the UAE about perhaps allowing us to redrill our old well there and adding new wells to establish our oilfield, beginning with the first oil well we drilled there which was a success. This may be difficult to accomplish now but who knows. We are still active with Basic Energy in the Philippines with brother Oscar and nephew Carey de Venecia and son Joey III. They have small projects in Myanmar,

Thailand, and Japan with major Thai partners.

We do not know how to go about it now, but after almost 40 years, we could inquire and try.

For our return home from France, instead of flying to London from Paris to catch the direct Philippine Airlines London-Manila non-stop flight, we decided to take the return flight home via the Arab route, in Qatar along the Persian Gulf, Arab Gulf to the Arabs, despite the dangerous tensions in the Gulf region. The week before, rockets destroyed some of Saudi Arabia’s richest oil fields, hit by missiles from Yemen or Iraq but suspected by Saudis as fired from Iran.

There will be many charges and counter-charges from both sides of the Gulf. Last week there were missed opportunities for U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran President Hassan Rouhani to meet at the U.N. General Assembly.

We believe the U.N. Secretary General and the President of France or Chancellor of Germany could take the lead in initiat-

ing negotiations, with say, Asian counterparts, from India, Japan or ASEAN to restrain the Iranians, the Saudis, and the U.S. to help put an end to the crisis in the Gulf which threatens more than 50% of the world’s petroleum supply which include the bulk of Philippines’ oil imports.

The Catholics and Protestants of Europe, after decades of conflict and bloodshed, following the Biblical days in Israel had long reconciled and live in peace. The Sunnis led by Saudi Arabia and the Shiites led by Iran, both followers of Islam, should likewise reconcile, keep their beliefs, until in God’s chosen time, like the Catholics and Protestants at least reconcile, and unite as one family under God. The U.N. Secretary General Antonio Gutierres, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, an ASEAN leader-designate, a Chinese or Russian representative should get-together and journey to Tehran and Riyadh to set a sustained peace process in motion until the work is done. ■

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

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D ateline PhiliPPines Villar still richest among senators in 2019 DOT: International tourist arrivals surpass 5-M mark

by AJPress

Based on senators’ latest statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (saLN), senator Cynthia Villar remains to be the richest member of the Philippine senate, while senator Leila de Lima is the poorest. as of June 30, 2019, Villar posted a net worth of P3,534,412,797 — a figure that is P185.52 million less than her net worth of over P3.72 billion last year.

Boxing champ-turned-senator Manny Pacquiao follows with a declared net worth of P3,005,808,000.

While Villar declared her net worth with no liabilities, Pacquiao has the highest one at P146 million as of dec. 31, 2018.

The third richest senator is senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto who posted a net worth of P555,324,479, followed by senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and senator Ramong “Bong” Revilla Jr. with a declared net worth of P182,851,570 and P164,203,379, respectively.

Meanwhile, one of the senators at the bottom of the ranking is senator Christopher “Bong” Go who posted a net worth of P15,508,370 as of June 30, 2019. according to the Inquirer, Go was the top campaign spender among the winning bets, spend-

ing P161,418,299 for his campaign in the 2019 elections back in May. Here is the complete ranking of senators based on their latest declared net worth: 1. senator Cynthia Villar – P3,534,412,797 (as of June 30, 2019) 2. senator Manny Pacquiao – P3,005,808,000 (as of december 31, 2018) 3. senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto – P555,324,479.82 (as of december 31, 2018) 4. senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri – P182,851,570.34 (as of december 31, 2019) 5. senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. – P164,203,379.38 (as of June 30, 2019) 6. senator sonny angara – P139,026,597 (ss of June 30, 2019) 7. senate Minority Leader Franklin drilon – P97,726,758 (as of dec. 31, 2018) 8. senator sherwin Gatchalian – P96,210,607.14 (as of dec. 31, 2018) 9 . s e n a t o r G ra c e Po e – P95,693,450.37 (as of June 30, 2019) 10. senator Pia Cayetano – P82,308,227.36 (as of July 1, 2019) 11. senator Richard Gordon – P71,285,178.56 (as of december 31, 2018)

12. senator Vicente “Tito” sotto III – P70,120,700.30 (as of dec.

31, 2018) 13. senator Lito Lapid – P69,910,000 (as of June 30, 2019) 14. senator Francis Tolentino – P62,482,000 (as of June 30, 2019) 15. senator Nancy Binay – P59,911,019 (as of June 30, 2019) 16. senator Panfilo Lacson – P42,442,341 (as of dec. 31, 2018) 17. senator Imee Marcos – P29,970,467 (as of June 30, 2019) 18. senator aquilino Pimentel III – P29,934,635 (as of June 30, 2019) 19. senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa – P28,258,908 (as of June 30, 2019) 20. senator Joel Villanueva – P26,921,555 (as of dec. 31, 2018) 21. sen. Francis Pangilinan – P16,695,048.17 (as of dec. 31, 2018) 22. senator Risa Hontiveros – P15,627,176.04 (as of dec. 31, 2018) 23. senator Christopher “Bong” Go – P15,508,370.82 (as of June 30, 2019) 24. senator Leila de Lima – P7,706,392.45 (as of december 31, 2018) n

OFW remittances hit 3-month high in August

by Mayvelin Caraballo ManilaTmes.net

MONeY sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rose to a three-month high in august, data from the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas (BsP) showed on Tuesday, October 15.

Personal remittances, personal transfers whether in cash or kind, and capital transfers between households reached $2.87 billion, 4.2 percent higher than the $2.76 billion posted a year ago and 0.27 percent higher than the $2.86 billion reported in July.

The amount was the highest since May 2019, when remittances hit $2.89 billion.

The latest figure brought the year-to-date tally to $21.99 billion, up by 3.6 percent from $21.22 bil-

lion in the same period in 2018.

“The steady growth in personal remittances during the first eight months of 2019 drew support from the remittance inflows from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more, which aggregated $16.8 billion from $16.3 billion in the same period last year,” the central bank explained.

“Inflows from the compensation of sea-based workers and land-based workers with shortterm contracts also contributed to this growth and totalled $4.7 billion from $4.4 billion a year ago,” it added.

Cash remittances, which only count money coursed through banks, rose by 4.6 percent to $2.58 billion in august from $2.47 billion a year earlier. It also rose

by 0.30 percent from $2.58 billion in July.

Year to date, cash remittances grew by 3.9 percent to $19.8 billion from $19.05 billion last year.

The BsP said “cash remittances from land-based and sea-based workers increased by 2.8 percent to $15.5 billion and 8.2 percent to $4.3 billion, respectively, for January to august 2019.”

Remittances from the United states were the highest at 37 percent, followed by saudi arabia, singapore, United arab emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany and Kuwait.

“The combined remittances from these countries accounted for 78.4 percent of total cash remittances from January to august 2019,” the Bangko sentral said. n

MaNILa— The department of Tourism reported that the international tourist arrivals in the Philippines breached the five-million mark in august.

The dOT recorded a total of 5,554,950 foreign tourist arrivals from January to august this year.

The number of inbound foreign guests was a 14.08-percent increase from the 4,869,417 tourists in the same period last year. data from the dOT Office of Tourism Planning, Research and Information Management showed that for august alone, a total of 702,843 visitors arrived in the country.

The august record is 27.54-

percent higher than the 551,088 guests in the same month in 2018.

The dOT is pleased with the arrival growth as it is closer to its target of 8.2 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2019.

The Tourism department recorded more than 4.1 million foreign tourists for the first half of 2019. south Korea remains the top source of tourists, with 185,334 visitors from there in august, followed by China which registered 170,903 visitors on the same month.

Meanwhile, Japan overtook the United states with 78,699 and 68,418 recorded tourists in the

same period, respectively.

Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said she is encouraged by the tourist arrival growth and expressed appreciation for the support of tourism industry stakeholders in the private sectors as well as the local government units in the implementation of the government’s sustainable development program.

“The convergence approach of the dOT with other government agencies and its partners in the industry is proving effective in expanding travel connectivity while inviting more tourists to come and visit through more enticing tourism products and packages,” Puyat said. (Philstar.com)

Duterte: Albayalde will be prosecuted on ‘evidence’

by Catherine

S. valente ManilaTimes.net

PResIdeNT Rodrigo duterte will enforce the country’s laws on resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar albayade “if there is evidence against any wrongdoing,” Malacañang assured the public on Tuesday, October 15.

Palace spokesman salvador Panelo made the assurance after sen. Richard Gordon said it would be a “national disappointment” if the duterte administration would choose not to file administrative and criminal charges against albayalde and other erring police officers over alleged drug recycling activities by “ninja cops.”

“Bakit naman (Why would he say we) will not react? The president is the No. 1 enforcer of the law. so, if there is evidence against any wrongdoing, then it behooves the government to file and prosecute,” Panelo said during a news conference.

Panelo, who also serves as duterte’s top legal counsel, added that albayalde was already absolved of administrative cases after he resigned from his post.

But he said the PNP chief might face criminal charges, if there was “probable cause” that would be determined by the department of Justice (dOJ).

“Oo dOJ siyempre. Kasi di ba either mag-recommend ang senado for prosecution o ‘yung dILG (department of the Interior and

Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo

Local Government), then bahala na ang dOJ (That’s up to the DOJ. Because it’s either the Senate or the DILG that will recommend for prosecution, then the DoJ will decide),” according to Panelo.

“Mahirap magsalita diyan kasi hindi naman tayo ang (It’s hard to talk about it because we are not the) investigator. It’s the prosecutor who will determine the existence of a probable cause,” he said, when asked if albayalde had criminal liability. albayalde on Monday, October 14, relinquished his post as the country’s top police officer amid a probe on his alleged involvement in the alleged drug recycling in Pampanga in 2013. during a media interview on Monday, Gordon said duterte should pursue charges against albayalde for him to show that he

ManilaTimes.net photo

would not give special treatment to erring subordinates.

“That will be a national disappointment [if the government would not file a case against albayalde]… They should dig up cases. We already dug up cases.

The administration should dig up cases for us to have strong evidence,” he told reporters. at the very least, the senator said, albayalde should be facing charges for neglect of duty, corruption, conspiracy and violation of Republic act 9165, or the “Comprehensive dangerous drug act of 2002,” among others.

The filing of charges should also include the 13 Pampanga police officers who were involved in the irregular drug sting in Mexico, Pampanga on Nov. 29, 2013, where they were accused PAGE 8

october 17-23, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Building new cities could ease Metro traffic woesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cayetano: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m no divorce

SENATOR Christopher Lawrence â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Go believes that building new cities outside Metro Manila would help solve traffic woes in the metropolis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alam niyo matagal na po ang traffic sa Manila, kahit anong gawing challenge ni Panelo hindi po maso-solve â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yan (As you know, the traffic problem has been there for ages, no matter what challenge Panelo will accept, it will not be resolved),â&#x20AC;? Go told reporters.

He was referring to Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo, who accepted the challenge of some groups to take public transport to see for himself how millions of commuters suffer.

Go said building another city that could be at par with Metro Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic and social progress could decongest the capital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Napakahirap i-solve ang traffic ng Manila, kaya po, panahon na siguro na magkaroon na tayo ng bagong siyudad, labas tayo

ng Metro Manila, sa Clark (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to solve the traffic problem in Manila. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to build new cities outside Metro Manila, in Clark),â&#x20AC;? he said, citing New Clark City, Batangas and Davao where industries can thrive because there are areas for expansion.

The senator, however, clarified that the government continues to implement programs to ease traffic jams, by building roads and expanding rail projects under the Build, Build, Build program.

Meanwhile, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo criticized Panelo for denying that there is a transport crisis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kapag sinabi mong walang krisis, wala ka talagang gagawin. Kasi para saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;yo, walang problema (if you say thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no crisis, you will not do anything because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t acknowledge the problem),â&#x20AC;? she said in her weekly radio show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A l m o s t f o u r h o u r s d a w iyong commute from Marikina to MalacaĂąang. Mabuti si Sec-

retary Panelo, once niya lang naramdaman. Pero iyong mga kababayan natin, araw-araw ito iyong pakikibaka (It took him four hours to commute from Marikina to MalacaĂąang.

He got to experience this only once. But our fellow Filipinos experience this struggle everyday),â&#x20AC;? said Robredo, referring to Paneloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;commute challengeâ&#x20AC;? last week.

The vice president cited the urgent need to resolve the transport crisis.

She said government officials should not be allowed to use sirens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sobrang insult â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yun, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung wang-wang kasi parang sinasabi mo â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung mga lakad niyo hindi importante lakad ko lang â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung importante (The use of sirens is an insult because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as if you want to tell the public that your appointment is more urgent than theirs),â&#x20AC;? she added. (Javier Joe Ismael and Glee Jalea/ManilaTimes.net)

Citing due process, court sends back securities case vs Rappler board

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A Pasig court ordered a re-investigation into charges of violations of the Securities and Regulations Code against executives of online news site Rappler.

Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159 Presiding Judge Elma Rafallo-Lingan ordered the suspension of proceedings and the remand of the case to the Office of the City Prosecutor in Pasig for the conduct of preliminary investigation.

Lingan also suspended proceedings on Anti-Dummy charges filed against the news siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executives.

The court held that there was â&#x20AC;&#x153;undue hasteâ&#x20AC;? in the filing of criminal charges in the court and the accusedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights to due process were violated.

Named as accused in the case are: â&#x20AC;˘ Maria Ressa, Rappler CEO â&#x20AC;˘ Glenda Gloria, managing editor â&#x20AC;˘ Manuel Ayala â&#x20AC;˘ Nico Jose Nolledo â&#x20AC;˘ Felica Atienza â&#x20AC;˘ James Velasquez Rappler welcomed the devel-

opment, saying through lawyer Francis Lim that the court order â&#x20AC;&#x153;keeps alive our hope in our judicial system.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;All that we need for our cases are judges and justices who have the courage to decide them fairly. We are fervently hoping that the cases will be decided based solely on their merits so that truth and justice will prevail in the end,â&#x20AC;? Lim also said.

The case The Rappler board told the court that the Pasig City prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office filed the Information or charge sheet against them despite their manifestation that they intend to file a motion for reconsideration.

Others who were facing charges did not receive a copy of the OCPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution before the Information was filed in court.

They also argued that the National Bureau of Investigation, the complainant in the case, did not inform them that they were also facing raps on violations of the Securities and Regulations Code. They said they only knew about the probe into their alleged violations of the AntiDummy Act. The court held that the accused

are given 15 days to file their appeal or motion for reconsideration 15 days from receipt of resolution, as it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;part of due process in preliminary investigation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Verily, the undue haste in transmittal of the records of the case to the Court for the filing of Information against the accused violates the accusedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to due process, guaranteed under the Constitution,â&#x20AC;? the Court said.

It added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the accused were deprived of this right, there is a denial of the right to a full preliminary investigation preparatory to the filing of the Information.â&#x20AC;?

Bail reduced The court also reduced the cash bail bonds against Ressa and Gloria following their appeal.

Ressa explained to the court that her finances were stretched thin due to posting of cash bonds in the string of cases filed against her, while Gloria implored the court to lower the amount in light of her financial ability as journalist.

Their bail is now at P63,000 from P126,000 each, while Ressaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel bond has been reduced to P50,0000 from P100,000. n

believer but wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t block debate

by Pathricia

ann V. Inquirer.net

roxas

CAPAS, TARLA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; In stark contrast to the advocacy of his sister, Sen. Pia Cayetano, who is living separately from her husband, Speaker Alan Cayetano believes that absolute divorce is not the solution to dysfunctional marriages.

Despite his personal stand, the House leader said he would not stop any committee from deliberating or holding hearings on controversial bills like the absolute divorce measure.

Speaker Cayetano said â&#x20AC;&#x153;we have to find a solutionâ&#x20AC;? to â&#x20AC;&#x153;impossible marriagesâ&#x20AC;? like those where one spouse beats the other or where one spouse is â&#x20AC;&#x153;psychologically incapacitated.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some believe that divorce is the solution,â&#x20AC;? the Speaker said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some, like me, do not believe that divorces is the solution,â&#x20AC;? he said.

A possible solution to failed marriages, he added, could be to make annulment of marriage more accessible and â&#x20AC;&#x153;democratic.â&#x20AC;?

The House priority is the 2020 proposed national budget, other revenue and socio-economic bills and not controversial measures, like the divorce bill, the Speaker said.

He said on bills that enjoy a â&#x20AC;&#x153;consensusâ&#x20AC;? he would â&#x20AC;&#x153;move faster.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will not stop but we will act with caution on bills that have no consensus,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The House leader had asked his colleagues to â&#x20AC;&#x153;act depending on their conscienceâ&#x20AC;? on controversial bills, like the proposal to legalize divorce. He said he would conduct a survey among House members on their positions on divorce, federalism and the death penalty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we are not stopping any committee from discussing all of these bills,â&#x20AC;? the Speaker said on the sidelines of a Southeast Speaker Alan Cayetano Asian Games event here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can assure you of full de- husband, a lawyer like her. At bates in all of these issues,â&#x20AC;? he least four similar bills had been filed at the House of Represenadded.

At the Senate, the Speakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tatives.

The House had approved a sister, Pia, has filed Senate Bill No. 288 which seeks to legalize divorce bill in the 17th Congress divorce on certain conditions. but it reached dead end at the Pia is living separately from her Senate. n

Duterte: Albayalde will be prosecuted...

PAGE 7

of pilfering millions worth of illegal drugs.

They were found guilty for grave misconduct in 2014 for failing to account for all confiscated evidence during the operation.

But Albayalde, the second PNP chief under Duterte, had denied the accusations against him, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It seems that everybody is ganging up on meâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m being crucified already.â&#x20AC;?

Gordon, who heads the Senate blue ribbon and justice and human rights committees, said the committees would release their report and recommendations later this week.

A Catholic bishop also on Tuesday said investigation of the ninja cops should not stop even if Albayalde had resigned.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo noted in an interview that the issue is not only about Albayalde, but the credibility and honesty of the police organization.

Albayaldeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resignation was the best option for the PNP, its acting chief, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa,

said also on Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We saw this coming because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually the best option for him and for the organization as well,â&#x20AC;? Gamboa also said in a TV interview.

He added that the image of the PNP had suffered as Albayalde was being linked to the drug recycling issue.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac agreed, saying the morale of policemen was affected by the issue.

Banac urged the President to appoint a permanent PNP chief as soon as possible because the role of Gamboa as officer in charge was limited.

Gamboa, Albayaldeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;mistahâ&#x20AC;? in the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986, earlier said he aims to continue the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Go also on Tuesday expressed his sadness over the PNPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perceived low morale because of corruption allegations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I pity the PNP, They just want to really work,â&#x20AC;? Go said.

The senator added that he was not surprised with Albayaldeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision and believes the PNP chief did the right thing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was not surprised because I know that General Albayalde was pressured. I know that he did the right thing to pave the way for the appointment of a new PNP chief, who could lead the 165,000strong police force and continue the work,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

Go said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to buckle down to work. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uplift the morale of the PNP. Stop the squabble.

The Filipinos need the police to work for them. It will be hard also for [the President] to fight illegal drugs, criminality and corruption without the police.â&#x20AC;?

He added, though, that erring policemen must be held responsible.

Go clarified that he was satisfied with Albayaldeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance as PNP chief, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still believe that General Albayalde did his job during his reign as PNP chief. He did all to fight illegal drugs. What we are talking about here is what happened in the previous administration.â&#x20AC;? n

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OCTOBER 17-23, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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VEGAS&STYLE

Journal ‘Culion’ — a story the world needs to know by riCky

CAlderon ManilaTimes.net

AN aspirant to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival, “Culion” opens with a love scene between Joem Bascon and Iza Calzado, and there’s a lot more until its conclusion.

“It seems that all that Iza and I did in the movie were love scenes,” award-winning actor Joem Bascon jokingly said about the movie.

“But the love scenes were all very artistic. Direk Alvin Yapan made sure of that in collaboration with Neil Daza [director of photography]. Basically they played

Joem Bascon and Iza Calzado

with the lights since during that time, there were no lights yet.

The people used lamps. So the love scenes came out sensual because of the lighting,” the actor revealed.

Joem and Iza play partners Kanor and Ana — both afflicted with Hansen’s Disease — with the man’s objective is to get the woman’s love and their love for each other developed. Iza has a line that says, “Sipingan mo ako.”

According to Joem, they had a problem with their child and Ana said that line because she wants to have another baby.

“It gets complicated when you have a baby and both of you are afflicted with the disease.

Your relationship becomes more complicated. And if even you have a baby, you won’t be able to hold him or her because right after birth, they will get the baby from you so the child won’t get sick.”

Joem said he’d be very happy if “Culion” gets selected as one the entries to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival.

“It will pave the way for us to open a story about our country that not many people are aware of. We didn’t have any idea about Culion before we got to the place to do the film. This is a story that needs to be told so that we can be aware about something important in our history. We never knew that in Culion we were able help people from other countries who were afflicted of the disease,” Joem shared.

He also considers “Culion” as one of the best, if not the best film he has done so far in his career.

“I would say it is also one of my most memorable films since I am reunited with direk Alvin. He has not done a film for a while and I am glad to be part of his comeback film. Plus it is written by Sir Ricky Lee. A script by Ricky Lee chooses only the best actors needed for the roles and I am honored to be part of the film. I am proud to be part of Culion,” he said.

The actor also mentioned Neil Daza’s picturesque cinematography.

“It may look simple with how he does his lighting but when you see the shot, you will be amazed,” Photo from Instagram/@culionfilm the actor concluded.

After discrimination in NY store, Regine gets flowers from Louis Vuitton by kAtrinA

hAllAre Inquirer.net

AFTER Regine Velasquez previously faced discrimination at a Louis Vuitton store in New York, it was revealed that the luxury house later sent flowers to the Asia’s Songbird.

It appears that on hearing of her struggle, the fashion house sent a bouquet to the singer as its way of apologizing, according to an episode of “Tonight with Boy Abunda” aired on Monday, October 14.

In her first vlog entry, Velasquez revealed that she struggled with obtaining one of her prized high heels from the French luxury house.

She revealed that as she attempted to enter the store, someone already blocked her way and said that her shoe size for that particular pair was already out of stock.

“Actually, okay pa ‘yun (that was still okay). I don’t mind [it]

Regine Velasquez Photo from Instagram/@reginevalcasid

naman eh,” Velasquez told talk show host Boy Abunda during the interview.

“Sa akin, ‘Okay, if you don’t want to entertain me, I’ll find

Aljur from the heart

by Boy

ABundA

Philstar.com

A L J U R A b re n i c a s p e a k s straight from the heart and with sincerity. He talks about life with wife Kylie Padilla with so much love and pride.

Kylie is seven months pregnant with their second child.

Their eldest, Alas Joaquin, is now two years old.

On the hot seat of “Tonight with Boy Abunda” a couple of nights ago, Aljur didn’t deny that he expected their second baby to be a girl after having observed how Kylie would always want to look beautiful and maintain her weight during the first trimester of her pregnancy. She, too, would arrange their home from time to time.

“When she was pregnant with Alas, bargas s’ya kumilos, very masculine. That’s why, I really thought that it will be a girl but during the gender reveal, boy pala. Of course, I am happy whatever the gender (of the child) is.”

Another source of happiness for both Aljur and Kylie is the former’s latest drama series Sandugo. Aljur said that Kylie is doubly excited about his role and even told him that she also wishes to do the same kind of role in the future.

“I play Leo Balthazar who is on the bad side but eventually the televiewers will know the reason why as the soap progresses. I am thankful to ABS-CBN for this. In fact, kasing-edad ng unang anak ko when I had my first day in

somebody else… At ipapakita ko sa talaga sa kanya na bibilhan ko yung tao na ‘yun, ‘yun na lang comeback ko (For me, I’d say “Okay, if you don’t want to entertain me, I’ll find somebody else.

And I would show that person that I will buy everything what that person wants, that will be my comeback),” Velasquez added.

In the same interview, megastar Sharon Cuneta also revealed that she too faced discrimination three times. She revealed that one instance happened at a Cartier store in Hong Kong.

“I was in Hong Kong, I entered a Cartier store. Very simple kasi, [I was wearing] shirt lang and jeans,” Cuneta recalled.

Cuneta said that when she asked “Excuse me,” one of the sales representatives replied to her “I’m not finished yet.”

“I was so angry, there was another sales rep that was very nice.

And I ended up buying things that I didn’t really need because I was so angry,” Cuneta said.

‘Ang Probinsyano’ so it’s already been two years since I first came here.”

His “Sandugo” co-star Ejay Falcon is one of his closest friends in the Kapamilya network.

No wonder, Aljur just smiled upon learning that Ejay branded him as a chickboy. “I must say na mas chickboy si Ejay. Tahimik lang s’ya pero biglang nawawala tapos babalik at mawawala ulit, hahahaha!”

Kidding aside, Aljur said he and Ejay share many things in common “like we both like martial arts and fitness. Parehas din kaming probinsyano at parehas panganay although Ejay is the breadwinner of his family while I somehow help my dad.”

Asked who between them is richer, Aljur quipped, “Mayaman Aljur Abrenica talks about life with wife Kylie sa babae, s’ya ‘yun (laughs) at Padilla and their two kids with so much love and pride. mas mabait ako.”

Photo from Instagram/@Cornerstone Indeed, Aljur has become mature when he started a family. He ing…Thank you at niligawan mo realized that being a dad is not ko ulit at hinabol noon,” part of simple. “All the dads out there the letter read. know that being a father is not reAljur and Kylie first became ally easy because there’s always an item in 2011 but parted ways a pressure of, as they say, always in 2014. They rekindled their rothinking of providing for the fam- mance two years after, and then ily even if you have enough. Now, tied the knot in 2018.

I understand what every father “Now, we have a family. And feels, especially my dad.” always remember that we are He also thanked Kylie for all here for you. We love you. I love the love and support after reading you,” Kylie added. the letter.

Aljur equally expressed his “We’ve been together for nine love for Kylie by telling how he years and I saw your journey appreciates her efforts to show from man to father and man to her love every single day and he husband. We both know that it’s assured her that he will always try not easy but you do your best, we to be the best version of himself do our best. Thank you for your “para sa ‘yo, para sa sarili ko bipatience, for your understand- lang asawa at bilang ama.”

Drew Arellano has hosted his popular travel show for 14 years now.

GMA photo

Drew: Hosting is where his heart is

by ChristinA

AlpAd ManilaTimes.net

IT is common practice for the networks to trumpet prized artists’ contract renewals, gathering topmost executives for signings, well as a grand media conference immediately after.

It is therefore not surprising that GMA Network’s long-time travel host Drew Arellano felt overwhelmed when he received such a treatment commonly reserved for “Kapuso” prime time talents.

On October 8, Arellano — who has been with GMA for 14 years — renewed his exclusive contract with the network. Present during his contract renewal were no less than GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores, First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon, and Asian Artists Agency representative Rowena Salido, among other executives.

“I told them it’s not necessary to have all of these but I am thankful,” the 39-year-old said at his media conference.

But in his statement, Gozon emphasized his network’s appreciation for the award-winning TV personality and host.

“Yung nandito siya sa atin for 14 years is well-appreciated. Isa siya sa magagaling nating talents sa Public Affairs. At tayo naman ay talagang galak na galak na pinili na naman niyang manatili sa ating istasyon,” Gozon said.

Hosting progression For those who have followed Arellano’s career, they can easily remember that his gateway to show business was actually acting.

In 2005, he joined the youthoriented show “Click” where he also met his eventual wife, hostactress Iya Villania. Fourteen years later, not only is he still a

loyal contract artist of the network — he and Villania are now parents to three-year-old Primo and one-year-old Leon.

Aside from Click, Arellano was also part of the longest running morning show “Unang Hirit.”

Also in 2005, Arellano hosted QTV’s travel show “Balikbayan” which later had an offshoot program “Weekend Getaway” on GMA News TV. Five years later, he further showcased his versatility in hosting via “AHA!” — a GMA Public Affairs’ award-winning infotainment show.

“You know what they say.

If you love your job, it doesn’t seem like a job. I get to travel with the entire ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ crew or make kids learn through AHA!,” he said with every bit of contentment.

With a job that enables him to explore islands, jump from the highest cliffs, and eat the most exotic dishes in his travel program, Biyahe Ni Drew, Arellano is aware that most people think of his as a dream job.

“I guess I am just a lucky guy to have a show that’s still running for many years. And for us, we really have to continue our job and strive for the best while we try to produce really good travel videos for the country.”

Nevertheless, Arellano is also aware of the responsibility he and his show now holds.

“We’ve been pushing for this for a couple of years ago because we felt that there’s a need to create awareness pa rin. We see a lot of pollution and sometimes it is also our fault because when we feature different destinations, we feel responsible that people are gonna flock there and whatnot.

“As such, we try as much as possible to talk to the local government and try to ask them, ‘Are you guys ready, if ever, for the influx of tourists?’”

Arellano also divulged that

they are also focusing their efforts on sustainable tourism.

“The new generation now, and I think it’s also because of social media, they are aware. It’s a great thing that, remember, what happened to Boracay is such as sad thing, it got closed down. But what’s happening in Siargao now, is such a great thing because they know what happened to Boracay.

The kids are running Siargao now. They know that we gotta work together, we gotta sustain this, make this [Siargao] as beautiful as long as possible.”

Asked why they chose awareness and sustainability when they can just be like most travel videos that solely promoted tourism, Arellano answered, “Kasi why do we have to feature this kung tayo mismong mga Pilipino hindi rin natin maalagaan yung lugar natin.”

Fitting job for a bigger role Besides his passion for tourism, one thing that made Arellano stick to hosting is his family.

Even before getting married, Arellano said he knew he wanted to be a good father, something that his current work, which is scaled down to three times a week of shooting, afforded him.

“I was pretty contented and happy. My goal naman is not to reach the A-list level but rather just be happy with my job and have a lot of time with my kids,” Arellano added.

Nevertheless, a payoff of his “dream job” is leaving behind his adorable kids.

“When I leave Wednesday morning, tsine-check ko na agad old videos ng mga anak ko and Thursday, wala na, I wanna fly back to them already so it’s always hard to leave the house with the kids going, ‘Papa, where are you going? Can I go with you?

Can I also ride the motorcycle with you?’” he candidly shared.

“But yeah, work is work,” he ended.

Janine takes on a psycho-thriller by izA iglesiAs ManilaTimes.net

SHOWBIZ royalty Janine Gutierrez is about to stun audiences, not with her bewitching beauty, but with her naturally inherited acting skills that will keep them at the edge of their seats.

Known for taking on strong and fierce female roles on television, the 30-year-old actresscum-high fashion model is eager to showcase her versatility via “Babae at Baril,” a proud entry to this year’s QCinema International Film Festival under the Asian Next Wave Competition.

In the gripping psychological thriller, Gutierrez portrays a hardworking saleslady who’s had enough of being an underdog. Just as she decides to take things into her own hands, she mysteriously finds a gun on her doorstep. With it, she can do whatever she wants, talk back to whoever she wants and even hurt those who have wronged her.

Empowered by the weapon, her bitter past comes rushing back to her and rather than wallow in it, it angers and transforms her.

“Wala pa akong character na quite like this,” Gutierrez excitedly shared at a media conference on Monday. “Lagi kong sinasabi na ito talaga yung pinangarap kong role. Para siyang galing probinsya na wala pa masyadong alam sa Manila and very out of place. Pero may mangyayari sa buhay niya na sobrang magfi-flip yung character niya.”

According to the talented daughter of ‘80s stars Ramon Christopher and Lotlot de Leon, the movie will be an eye opener for those who frequent department stores.

“Nag-shoot talaga kami sa loob ng mall and this is the side the public doesn’t see — kung ano talaga yung totoong buhay ng saleslady. And siguro nakarelate din ako sa fact na yung saleslady, pag nagtatrabaho, kailangan nakangiti, bawal magalit.

Bilang artista parang ganoon ka din eh. Bawal kang masungit, bawal kang magsabi ng mali.

I especially felt that kasi puro artista ang kamag-anak ko. So kahit anong gawin ko, magrereflect sa nanay ko, sa lola ko, sa tita ko — lahat sa kanila if I don’t put my best foot forward.

So dun ako naka-relate sa pagiging saleslady niya kasi hanggang saan ka magtitiis bago ka pumitik?”

Needless to say, the script of “Babae at Baril” locked her into the project; while such new experinces as shooting in shady places complete with a gun challenged her to no end.

“Sobrang na-pressure din ako kasi napakaganda ng script.

Pressured para magampanan mo, mapantayan mo ang ganda ng kuento on paper — hoping na lumabas din siya onscreen,” Guttierez continued.

“Pero dapat siyang abangan kasi I think in a way lahat tayo makaka-relate na may mga nangyayari sa buhay natin na talagang naiiba sa pagkatao natin gustuhin man natin o hindi,” she shared.

“And aside from that yung pangalawang gusto ko sa project na to is super female-led siya which is something I am very passionate about as you know — women empowerment. Kasi director namin, writer namin, DOP (director of photography) namin, producers namin puro

Janine Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@janinegutierrez

babae. Yung kuento tungkol sa isang babae na hindi mo aakalain na kaya niyang gawin ang mga magagawa niya. So I think it’s a really important project especially considering everything that’s happening now.”

All natural Asked how she fared doing her action scenes, the ever candid actress replied, “Wala akong training na ginawa dito in terms of the action scenes. Yung character ko diba may mapupulot na baril but ang pagkatao niya, wala naman talaga siyang alam about guns. So ayaw ni direk na mag-training pa ako para natural na kung ano lang yung alam ko, yun lang din yung alam ng character ko. That’s why PAGE 11

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA (Third of 4 parts) (Continued from last week…)

TRUST your own instincts.

Your own personal experience will color the lens with which you view and relate with your personal guardian angel. God so loved the world, He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may gain eternal life. Angels are sent to help us during our time here on earth towards this arduous journey to eternal life.

The Holy Spirit came to guide us and enlighten us. But on the micro, day-by-day level, God sent us our personal guardian angels from conception, birth, throughout our life and our passage from death to eternal life as a constant presence.

Come to think of it, every time an unborn life is cut down, the murder deprives an angel of his purpose. There must be some cosmic angst and turmoil in the heavens. There must be anguish

Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS IS there a blood test for brain cancer?

Soon there will be. A new study reveals a promising simple blood test that could help detect brain cancer with 87 percent accuracy. This exciting revelation was reported in the journal Nature Communications by Dr. Matthew J. Baker of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde i n Glasgow, United Kingdom. Brain cancer usually has a poor outlook because of the delay in the diagnosis since the symptoms, primarily headache, are nonspecific. This new blood test would expedite the diagnosis and improve the outcome.

How do injuries cause acute kidney failure?

Muscle injuries from any trauma can lead to rapid breakdown of skeletal muscles (rhabdomyolysis) causing muscle pains, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, tea-colored urine, and irregular heartbeat. One of the breakdown products is a protein called myoglobin, which is harmful to the kidney, which may lead to acute renal (kidney) failure.

This condition happens annually to about 26,000 people (many of them seniors) in the United States.

The first reported description of rhabdomyolysis was in 1908, following an earthquake, and the mechanism of the condition only understood 33 years later, in 1941, during the Blitz of London.

Do repeated chest x-rays cause cancer?

No, an annual chest x-ray does not cause cancer. The dose of radiation that one gets with a chest x-ray is so minimal, about 30 millirems, which is even less than the radiation exposure one gets from traveling by air (where you will be exposed to a greater degree of radiation from the sun) for a 4-hour flight. The cut-off safety limit per year is 5000 millirems, which would be equivalent to about 166 chest x-ray exposures.

A chest x-ray once a year, or even 20 such radiation exposures in a year, is safe. The basic rule is, of course, the lesser radiation the better, but if it medically necessary x-rays should be performed without worry.

Do I have to finish the antibiotics prescribed for me?

Physicians prescribe specific antibiotics for specific infection (bacteria). From clinical research done by the drug companies on each antibiotic they produce, specific recommendation for the standard dosage and the length

Angels among us “I think we all do have a guardian angel.

I believe they work through us all the time, when we are thoughtful and good and kind to each other.”

— Roma Downey and pain, a disturbance, not only on earth but also in the celestial realm. Some say God created so many angels, one cannot count the number of angels that can stand on the head of a pin.

But there is a caveat to this gift from the Almighty. One must accept the gift and use the gift of the presence of angels in one’s life for good and only good. One must be humble of heart to know that by ourselves we can do nothing of real value to ourselves or our loved ones and ultimately find God in our lives without asking in earnest for help from the spiritual, unseen realm of angels.

Yes, the key is to ask for help for one to receive it.

Also, one must never take the gift of a personal guardian angel for granted.

An angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life.

(To be continued…) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

Queries from readers of treatment is derived and made to effect a “cure.” It is advisable for you to finish the full course of antibiotic that your physician has prescribed for you, otherwise the bacteria may not be fully decimated and the infection might recur after a few days.

Is Viagra addicting?

No, Viagra is not addicting.

Before you try it, though, I suggest you consult with your physician first, to make sure there is no contraindication in your case. If none, Viagra should help take care of your problem, if, indeed, it is caused by anxiety. Viagra is truly a wonder drug, if taken properly under medical supervision.

I have frequent headaches.

Can this be serious?

This column is meant to provide medical information for public education. Since it will not be medically proper for the writer to make diagnosis or give prognosis through this forum, the answers we will give here will be in generality and an overview. Consult your physician for details and management. There are many causes of headaches.

It could range from simple eyestrain, benign stress or tension, allergy-related, to hypertension, migraine; to headaches caused by a brain tumor, infection or bleeding in or around the brain.

In view of this, early and proper diagnosis is essential. See you physician soon.

Can one get AIDS from holding hands?

Experts say that HIV infection is not transmitted by holding hands or (intact) skin to skin contact, but mucous membrane contact with blood or body fluids from someone infected with HIV, unprotected sexual intercourse with AIDS victim can definitely transmit this deadly disease. The best behavior is to avoid partners that are at high risk of having HIV, but if this is not possible, use condom. One must be cautious to make sure the condom is durable, intact and not have a hole in it. One could get the HIV infection even after only one, yes just one, sexual encounter.

Remember, having AIDS is like having a death sentence hanging over your head.

I developed painful urination on our honeymoon, why?

This is not uncommon, but mostly preventable. This condition is called Honeymoon Cystitis, which is urinary infection due to trauma and bacterial contamination during sex. This could also happen anytime in our life for the same reason. This is why we recommend partners to take a shower or a bath, wash their hands thoroughly, etc., before (and after) sex, and be reasonably gentle and not violent during the

act. If the symptoms persist for more than a day, consult your physicians, who will evaluate your condition and most likely prescribe the appropriate antibiotics for your urinary infection. Be careful because repeated infection could lead to more serious complication Must all groin hernias be operated on?

This depends on the size and whether you have symptoms or not. Some hernias do not need surgical repair at all. Other hernias could lead to trapping of a part of your gut through the hernia hole (ring) and cause bowel obstruction or even gangrene, which are serious conditions. We recommend that you get a medical checkup to see whether you need anything done at all.

How does one get sore eyes?

Sore eyes (conjunctivitis) is an acute inflammation of the inner lining of the upper and lower eyelids, caused by adenoviruses, bacteria or allergy. They eyes becomes painful, burning, reddened and sticky with secretions. Conjunctival irritation with dust, smoke, wind and other air pollutants may be associated, or accompanying the presence of a common cold or measles. Avoidance of close contact with someone with sore eyes or touching any items touched by the patient, and maintaining good hygiene (washing hands often after contact) are most essential to minimize the chances of getting infected.

How did I catch amebic dysentery?

Amebiasis is disease caused by a protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica.

It is usually asymptomatic but diarrhea, mild to severe, may occur.

This disease is caused by poor hygiene where the food or water consumed is contaminated by human feces, either by unsanitary handling or direct contamination.

Proper hand washing is most important. Since it tends to recur, stools should be re-examined one month, three months and six months after a full course of treatment. Serious complications of amebiasis could affect the liver, the brain, the lungs and other organs. If in doubt, consult your physician. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Anne hurt whenever asked about...

PAGE 10 makatotohanan yung paghawak ko ng baril at pagkapa ko sa baril,” she said.

According to the film’s director Rae Red, the film is inspired by people who usually hide their inner anger. Red, who comes from a family of prominent filmmakers, said she picked Gutierrez to portray the main character because of the depth in her acting.

“Yung ‘Babae at Baril’ ay tungkol sa isang girl na napuno na sa buhay tapos gusto lang niyang isa-isahin yung mga kinaiinisan niya. So I think parang lahat tayo may ganuong punto sa buhay na gusto mo na lang mag-explode.

And I think naging influence din yung family ko because I came from a family of filmmakers and mostly yung mga ginagawa nila mga gangster films or semiaction din. So I think I got my inspiration sa pinaghalo kong

experiences,” Red shared.

“We wanted Janine to do this film because maraming names ang binigay sa akin tapos bawat name na na-suggest, I watched their videos on YouTube. Tinitignan ko yung mga acting pieces nila before. Nag-stand out si Janine kasi the role requires a certain level of intellegence, maturity. Tahimik lang ang character.

Halos walang linya, so kailangan idaan sa facial expressions. May na-feel akong depth sa acting ni Janine kasi sa soaps madaming nag-iiyakan, nagsisigawan pero yung kanya may certain level and yun yung eksaktong hinahanap ko,” she enthused.

“Also, nakuha namin ang gusto namin from her, and more pa. Super relaxed sa set, wala akong na-feel na ere. She’s always there and nakaabang na siya sa next scene kahit hindi pa kami prepared and nakikisama siya with the other staff. Sobrang

puring-puri sila sa kanya kasi nangangamusta pa siya sa kanila, kaya everyone loves her,” Red said.

In ending, Gutierrez said there is so much more to the story once people watch it.

“Siguro ang pinaka message niya is hindi mo kailangang magtiis. You shouldn’t have to settle. Lalo na dito sa Pilipinas.

Minsan bilang babae pinalaki tayo na dapat mahinhin, dapat tahimik at sumusunod lang — padaanin mo lang yan mawawala din yan.

“Pero I’ve learned also from a lot of women and a lot of younger women — especially now yung Gen Z — yung walang makakalusot na mali. I think it’s very important to know that bilang babae, may kapangyarihan ka to say no, to ask for more, to realize that you do deserve more at hindi mo kailangan magtiis dahil babae ka,” Gutierrez ended.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 17-23, 2019

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Las Vegas-Clark County Library District presents 2019 Las Vegas Book Festival on October 19

The annual festival will feature panel discussions, readings, workshops, children’s programming, vendors, food trucks, a wine garden & more!

LAS VEGAS — The Las VegasClark County Library District is the presenting sponsor for the 2019 Las Vegas Book Festival (LVBF). The annual event is free and open to all ages this Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. “On behalf of our board and our employees, we are thrilled to present the 2019 Las Vegas Book Festival,” says Dr. Ronald Heezen, executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. “Celebrating the power of the written, spoken and illustrated word, this annual festival enhances the vibrancy of our city

through literary culture.”

This year’s festival features headliners A.M. Homes, Marlon James, Jarrett J. Krosoczka and chefs from America’s Test Kitchen. Dozens of additional authors will participate in readings, workshops and panel discussions throughout the day. Panel topics include “Assessing the Trump Presidency: Three Years In” with Rick Wilson, Tim Alberta andChristina Bellantoni; “Writing the Body: The Language of Sexuality and Intimacy in Story” with Kristen Arnett and Ahmed Naji; and, “The Critic’s Voice” with Eric Deggans,Niela Orr and James Parker. View the full

Calendar of Events across

schedule.

In addition to its literary offerings, the LVBF will feature children’s activities, a music stage, artisan vendors, food trucks, a wine garden and more. View the map and list of vendors.

The festival will conclude with “Las Vegas Book Festival After Dark” at 6:30 p.m. at The Writer’s Block. 519 S. 6th St., Suite 100.

James and David Bradley will converse on the topic “More Real Than Real – Historic and Speculative Fiction 400 Years into the Diaspora.”

For updates and more information, visit www.lasvegasbookfestival.com.

America

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West Ranch High School presents the Wildcat Classic in Valencia, CA West Ranch High School is proud to present the 11th annual Wildcat Classic, a daylong display of musical artistry on Saturday, October 19. More than 20 high school bands from the Santa Clarita Valley and around the region will gather for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra (SCSBOA) Marching Band Competition. The Wildcat Classic will take place at Valencia High School’s football stadium, located at 27801 Dickason Dr. in Valencia. Tickets are $12; parking is free. Each high school band will compete by division followed by an astounding showcase performance of the three-time state champion West Ranch Band and Colorguard. The day-long event culminates in an awards ceremony with trophies presented in each division as decided by a panel of SCSBOA judges. The performance schedule will be announced prior to the event. Vendors will be on site with plenty of delectable food and drink options as well as gifts and apparel for the music enthusiast. For additional information, please contact West Ranch Music Director Jason Marshall at 661-222-1220 x 646 or jmarshall@hartdistrict.org or visit www.westranchmusic.com.

Sikad cycling ride in Las Vegas Hosted by the Nevada Bicycle Club, in collaboration with charity institution Gawad Kalinga to give care, Sikad 2019 will be held on Saturday, October 19 at the River Mountain Trail Loop. The mission of the charity fun ride is to end homelessness through community building efforts in the Philippines. Gawad Kalinga is a nation building movement that hopes to end poverty for millions of Filipinos. Its template begins with restoration of dignity as a human being by bringing the poor out of their homelessness. But that is just the start.GK uses its resources to allow the poor access to basic services and opportunities that will turn them to productive citizens. It’s values formation component is a key element that promotes the effectiveness of all of its other programs. SIKAD NG BAYAN is an annual bike ride that supports GK program to include building schools, homes and community centers. This is the third annual SIKAD NG BAYAN - Las Vegas hosted by Nevada Bicycle Club. It will begin at the Railroad Pass Casino & Hotel at 2800 S. Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV with the trail at the River Mountain Loop Trail & Acaia Park — course 1 is 9 miles; course 2 is 35 miles; course 3 is 50 miles. Register now at www.nevadabicycleclub.com/sikad2019. Free jersey & buffet with registration. For more information, please email nevadabicycleclub@gmail.com.

49th anniversary of Federation of Rosary Groups rally in Burbank, CA On Saturday, October 19, devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary will come together to attend and celebrate the 49th year-anniversary of the Federation of Rosary Groups Annual Rosary Rally at St. Francis Xavier Church (3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA). In partnership with Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade in Glendale, people will assemble beginning at 9 a.m. to attend a talk to be given by the Most Reverend Alex Aclan, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles. This year’s theme is Mary In the Upper Room. The event is filled with activities that will enrich one’s faith. The afternoon speaker is Reverend Francis Mendoza, pastor of St. Finbar Church in Burbank. Procession and praying of the rosary will start at 3:30 p.m.; followed by a liturgy at 5:00 p.m. which will be concelebrated by Reverend Rodel Balagtas, Pastor of Incarnation Church/ Glendale and Reverend Sebastian Vettickal, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church/ Burbank. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the event. For more information, please call: Rico Nosce (818) 331- 9111, Linda Gordon (818) 633-5600 or Rene Decena (818) 679- 7896.

O C TO B E R 2 0

75th anniversary of Leyte landing in Carson, CA The 75th anniversary of the Leyte Landing will be observed on Sunday, October 20 at the International Sculpture Garden at the Carson Civic Center from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. the main program will start at 10 a.m. where the veterans present will be honored by the guest speakers and the community. There will be music and entertainment, food trucks, vendors and booths. This program is part of the annual Filipino-American History Month in October. For more information, please contact Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque, executive director of the Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation, at drjennyb.md@gmail.com or visit www.erbfoundation.com.

Filipino Priests Association of Los Angeles fundraising “Pista Sa Nayon” is a fundraising event sponsored by the Filipino Priests Association of Los Angeles on Sunday, October 20 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium (1401 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale, CA 91208) at 5 p.m. The highlight of the event will include but are not limited to: Honor the 2nd Filipino Bishop in USA, Most Reverend Alex Aclan, as well as recognize Filipino priests who have dedicated many years of service to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The priests will serve food and entertain guests with songs and dances. Tickets are at $50.00 per person. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds will benefit priests attending the 4th Assembly of National Association of Priests -USA in New Jersey on October 26-30, 2020, for continuing faith formation so that they may become effective ministers of evangelization. For more information, please contact Ging Mangaliman at (213) 453-2595, Patty Santiago at (818) 472-4288, or Rhomie Ramirez at (818) 618-6515.

O C TO B E R 26

Larry Itliong Day Celebration in Carson, CA The City of Carson, California will hold a Larry Itliong Day Celebration on Saturday, October 26 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. In 1966, Filipino Larry Itliong and Cesar Chavez formed the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, which later became the United Farm Workers of America, one of the greatest unions in the history of the nation. Larry Itliong Day will be at Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Ave. Carson, CA 90745). For more information, please call (310) 830-9991.

D EC E M B E R 1

Kalayaan Incorporated’s Christmas Party and induction of officers in Monterey Park, CA Kalayaan Incorporated’s Induction of Officers 2019-2020 will be held during its Christmas Party on Sunday, Decemeber 1, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Monterey Hill Event Center. The hilltop venue offers a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley, and is located at 3700 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, Calif. 91754. Kalayaan Incorporated, a non-profit public benefit corporation in the State of California, classified as a public charity organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, holds the annual celebration in Southern California of the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. Chairing the Induction and Christmas Party is Violet Mislang with Lady Hope Robillos, Co-chair, and Nonie Belarmino, Program Coordinator. Cost of lunch is $40.00. For more information, please contact Violet at (562) 644-4073, vmislang@gmail.com; Lady Hope at (310) 500-0917, lhopepr@yahoo.com; or Nonie (310) 357-0222, Idancenonie@outlook.com.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

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OCTOBER 17-23, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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Celebrating Filipino American film, the new frontier of contemporary cinema

By Klarize Medenilla / AJPress LAST month, the grassroots film distribution company ARRAY Now kickstarted its inaugural A R R AY 360, a special six-week program that celebrates the craft of filmmaking and highlights filmmakers and artists.

Founded in 2010 by famed filmmaker and advocate Ava Duvernay (“Selma,” “A Wrinkle in Time”), ARRAY has a special mission to amplify emerging filmmakers of color by celebrating diversity and representation.

Living up to that objective and just in time to celebrate Filipino American History Month, ARRAY Now on Saturday, October 5 hosted its second weekend of ARR AY 360 with the Filipinx Film Program, a day-long honor to the history, present and future of Filipino filmmaking.

Situated in a colorful millennial-friendly complex in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown, the ARRAY Now campus feels like a microcosmic collective of the city’s creative community, a progression towards widening inclusivity for filmmakers of all backgrounds.

In addition to screening the 1976 drama “M insa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo (Once a Moth)” by Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara and the 1980 romcom “Kakabakaba Ka Ba (Does Your Heart Beat Faster?)” by Mike De Leon, ARRAY 360 screened two widely anticipated films by two Filipino American filmmakers: “Call Her Ganda” from PJ Raval and “Yellow

Long Distance podcast host Paola Mardo (far left) and producer Patrick Epino (far left) moderate a panel with “Yellow Rose” actress Princess Punzalan, director Diane Paragas and writer Celena Cipriaso.

Photo by Ray Tamarra

PJ Raval and Deadline Editor Dino-Ray Ramos in conversation following ARRAY 360’s screening of Raval’s “Call Her Ganda” on Saturday, October 5.

Photo by Ray Tamarra

Rose” from Diane Paragas.

The latter two films have been abuzz within the independent film scene, both praised for their spellbinding storytelling and timely social messages.

“Call Her Ganda,” the documentary about Jennifer Laude, the transgender Filipina who was allegedly murdered by a U.S. serviceman in 2014, highlights contemporary efforts for justice set against the backdrop of the residual effects of American colonialism.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, “Yellow Rose,” the musical drama and 2019 festival darling that has been racking up jury awards across the country, tells the story of an undocumented 17-year-old Filipina named Rose who finds herself embarking on a winding journey of self-discovery.

Though both films tackle very contemporary current events, the sociopolitical elements are nothing more than circumstantial to the central theses of the human perspective and the power of community.

For “Call Her Ganda,” Raval followed the Laude family and their attorneys throughout the subsequent trials against Laude’s alleged murderer, a delicate process that provided Raval a unique learning experience. Born in Clovis, California and, like many second-generation Filipino Americans, Raval didn’t grow up with a full understanding of Filipino culture and its history.

Initially, Raval didn’t feel like he had “the right” to tell the story of Laude and the subsequent legal and emotional battles the Laude family faced, suggesting that a trans activist in the Philippines

Kakabakaba Ka Ba? (Does Your Heart Beat Faster?), directed by Mike De Leon

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would be better suited.

But when Virginia “Virgie” Suarez, one of the Laude family attorneys, encouraged Raval he was the right person for the job, he accepted as long as he had the permission and blessing of the Laude family, which he received.

“It kind of became clear to me that maybe I am the right person to make this film because ultimately I’m the person who needs to see this film,” Raval told the Asian Journal. “I grew up in the United States so I know, first-hand, how little information there is about the Philippines even though I know how much of a history the United States has had in terms of shaping the history of the Philippines and the modern-day structure of the Philippines.”

He added, “I felt like as a Filipino American I had a foot in both places, I saw this as my opportunity to contribute to the Justice for Jennifer movement that was happening.”

Released in 2018, “Call Her Ganda” made the festival rounds, garnering multiple awards including the Grand Jury Award at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in 2018 and the Jury Award for Best Documentary Film at the Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

“Call Her Ganda” deals with tragedy set against the clashes between anti-trans sentiment and trans activism as well as U.S. military presence in the Philippines and the fight for total Philippine sovereignty. But that’s not the heart of the film, Raval shared.

“At the end of the day, a mother lost her child. That’s really all it is, and nobody has the right to take someone’s life,” Raval said of his intention of making the documentary. “Certainly, a story

A still from PJ Raval’s “Call Her Ganda” documentary

Nora Aunor in “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo (Once a Moth)”

like this, we can talk about from the perspective of colonialization, imperialism, and trans rights and geopolitics but at the end of the day, it’s about a mother who lost her child and that, if anything, connects all of us whether you’re trans, Filipino, American or whatever, everyone should understand that concept of loss and accountability This is really a universal experience even though it’s been talked about in a very specific way.”

The same could be said for Paragas’ “Yellow Rose,” which stars the Tony-nominated Eva Noblezada as Rose, a scrappy and determined aspiring country music star who finds herself in a precarious position once her

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mother Priscilla (played by Princess Punzalan) gets deported.

Rather than making an overtly political film with a social justice agenda, Paragas set out to tell a coming-of-age story that reflects her upbringing as a Philippineborn, Texas-raised Filipina.

As a child, Paragas and her family fled the Philippines during the martial law era and settled in Lubbock, Texas. “Yellow Rose” can be seen as a cinematic roman à clef, with Rose’s perspective largely built from experiences from Paragas’ formative years in Texas.

“I think movies that are about the South and deal with racism — which this film does — always PAGE 13

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Celebrating beloved AAPI leaders

Last Saturday evening, October 12, friends and family gathered at Mint Indian Bistro to celebrate Mike & Rita Vaswani’s 50th Golden Anniversary. The party was organized by Mike and Rita’s children, Sanjay Vaswani and Bindiya Mahabir.

Notable guests included Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak & First Lady Kathy Ong Sisolak, NV Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, NV Supreme Court Justice Elissa Cadish, and many other dignitaries.

Mike and Rita Vaswani are a huge part of the AAPI community of Las Vegas. Mike is the Chairman of the Asian American Group, while Rita Vaswani is the Senior Vice President at Nevada State Bank & Chair of Las Vegas Indian Chamber of Commerce.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

Jessy already planning wedding with Luis

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

said.

When asked what is the secret to their long and steady relationship, Jessy said that maybe, she and Luis are meant to be.

“Siguro hindi lang siya nagwork sa iba. Katulad sa akin, hindi nag-work sa kaisa-isang ex

ACTRESS Jessy Mendiola admitted that she and boyfriend Luis Manzano are already talking about marriage.

In an interview with the media, Jessy said she and Luis are now talking about taking their relationship to the next level.

“Oo napaguusapan na namin.

Kahit nga ‘yung kulay. Pero siyempre hindi ko muna sasabihin.

Secret muna,” Jessy said.

The “Sandugo” actress also said she’s not anymore annoyed when the media asks her about the wedding.

“Hindi ako napipikon. Dati mas nape-pressure pa ko, pero ngayon parang sabi ko nga kay Luis, ‘Siguro ganon ‘yung vibes natin no. Pang kasal na ‘yung next step natin. Kumbaga ‘yung ibang tao nae-excite for us,” she Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola

ko. Pero ganoon talaga ang life.

Kaya lang talaga tumatagal ang isang relasyon kasi you’re meant to be. Siguro ‘yung nangyari sa amin meant to be na kami talaga.

Kahit nga kami nagulat kami ‘hala three years na tayo,’” she said.

Photo from Instagram/@senorita_jessy

Celebrating Filipino American film...

PAGE 12 get the low-hanging fruit of the overtly racist redneck. I actually didn’t want to do that because my intention was to show what I think is great about America which is our abilit y to have empathy, compassion and help people who are in need,” Paragas shared.

“In many ways, this film is my love letter to Texas,” she added.

That being said, Paragas also noted that she wanted to create a film that was distinctly American told from the perspective of a Filipina. Stylistically, the film draws inspiration from the sensory nature of Terrence Malick’s and Wong Kar-Wai’s films. It also captures the warmth and the tenuousness of the western

genre, as seen in the filmography of John Ford.

“I wanted to make an iconic film that anyone could relate to, I wanted to make a movie for the lolas as much as for the young people and as much as f ilm nerds,” Paragas shared.

Citing the Harlan Howard quote that says, “Country music is three chords and the truth,” Paragas noted that “I kind of wanted to do a country song as a film, something that is something authentic, simple and straight with a lot of emotion. That’s what I was going for in terms of the tone of the film: a simple, true authentic story that feels real and grounded in something poetic.”

Deservingly, “Yellow Rose” has caught the attention of film

festivals for capturing a timely story of being undocumented and redefining what it means to be an American.

But more than that, the film sets an example for the future of Filipino American cinema as a rich artistic reservoir, a gold mine with important, prescient stories that have yet to be excavated.

“It’s a great time to be a filmmaker, as a Filipino American because although we’re living in a time where our differences are being highlighted, there’s also this contrasting wave, this idea that people and studios are now grasping that Asian films have a place in the market. And my hope is that that continues and we get to see more films from our community,” Paragas shared.

“Yellow Rose” stars Tony Award-nominee Eva Noblezada as Rose, an undocumented teenager and aspiring country singer.

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Asian Community Development Council hosts Kamayan feast with Filipino community LAS VEGAS — Last weekend on Saturday, October 12, the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) hosted a second Kamayan Feast at Bropards (Dance Starz Cafe). This was a free event, and many members of the Filipino and Filipino American community in Las Vegas were invited to build new relationships and connections with one another. Through food and a traditional Filipino dinner setting, “Kamayan”, the people ate with their hands and shared their stories, experiences, and struggles as Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

Melody Judilla, Program Manager for Silver State Voices, also spoke to the people about the census and the importance of being counted next year. The Kamayan Feast attendees were also informed of the free services that ACDC offers and that the organization is here to assist them with their needs. ACDC plans to host more community dinners with different Asian ethnic groups in the future.

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678